1969 Firebird Convertible

[Bandit69]

Hello,

Posted on Pro-Touring site so I thought I should post here as well.

Bought a 1969 Firebird convertible from friend who lost interest. Car sat for past 2 years by beach so I've spent last 6 months just getting it driveable again. Now, its time to fix it up.

First I must admit that initially I'm more of a OEM/slight restomod fan than pro-tourer (Give me 15 inch 60 series tires on Cragar five spokes any day). However, taking a look at the pictures on the site of everyones cool rides has changed my tune a bit. (I may even allow myself to go wild and move up to 17 inch wheels!) Ideawise, I'm thinking of four different looks but all will be based on the look of a 1969 Firebird Trans Am (stripes/hood scoop/rear wing).

Black with Gold Striping - I'm thinking a 1969 version of the Year One Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am they've created. (Hence, my username). I think their new snowflake billet wheels look great and want to see them on an older firebird

Orange with Black/Yellow Stripes - car was originally Carousel Red which is the color most associated with 1969 GTO Judge. I'm thinking trans am stripes but using the black/yellow combo like the Judge stripes

Candy Red with White or black stripes - saw Rybar's 69 Camaro and just loved the color

Candy Blue with white stripes and red pinstripes - saw something similar recently on "Overhaulin" to a 1967 Camaro.

Those are the basic themes for my ride. Enginewise, I'm gonna keep it Pontiac so I think I'll stroke it out to a 383 and then add a Barry Grant six-shooter for that tri-power look. Back that up to a Bowler trans and a Moser rearend. Suspension wise, I'm looking at a global west/QA1 combo with some DSE parts as well. The interior will be mostly stock but I want to change the gauge panel. Does anyone know if the DSE panel for 69 Camaro will fit the firebird?

[ProTouring442]

Welcome! Personally, I like the black & gold idea, though I think I would only do outline stripes instead of full gold stripes.

As for the wheels, 17's sound great as you can go with the ATS spindles and C-5 Corvette brakes. I know Year One makes the Snowflake style in large sizes, but I'd LOVE to see a 17" Turbo style wheel!

I don't know about the DSE panel, but you should be able to make something to fit in any case. A nice set of 3rd gen seat will give you a bit more comfort whist keeping the GM look.

Don't forget a nice A/c system for thise warm and sunny days!

So where are you from?

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[bigtyme1]

Welcome to the sight, Do youself a favor and get an artist to drawl something up, It kinda give you more motavation to keep working plus you have something to look forward to in the end. Keep us posted. do a search on project empty nest and you can see what the Forgline snowflakes look like.

[tgvettes]

I would go with the Black and gold or a 69 T/A color scheme. to me black is the color for Pontiac.

Tonny

[BallnRods]

Originally Posted by Bandit69

Black with Gold Striping - I'm thinking a 1969 version of the Year One Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am they've created. (Hence, my username). I think their new snowflake billet wheels look great and want to see them on an older firebird

I think this idea is the one you should go with.
Way cool idea!

[Hdesign]

Looks like a great start. Keep us posted on progress!

[ProdigyCustoms]

When we first put Project EmptyNest on the drawing board almost 2 years ago, Black and Gold was the first choice, in fact that was the first color I had rendered, with Gold Snowflake wheels! I have that rendering. Our exact theme was a 69 Bandit Trans Am. In the end it was a no brainer to do the original white and blue theme with a twist. While I AM NOT a white car kind of guy usually, I am very happy we did the white.

We have another Firebird convertible body that is pretty nice. That one will probably go black and gold. But don't let that stop you.

On another note, if you need any parts or project planning, feel free to contact us. We have everything you will need.